Percent of patients who failed treatment as defined by a decrease of 0.5 or more from baseline in the combined T-score as measured by Dexa-scan. The patient's bone densitometry was determined by Dexa-scan at baseline, after 6 months of Zometa and after 1 year of Zometa. The t-score, which is a comparison of a person's bone density with that of a healthy 30-year-old of the same sex, was generated by Dexa-scan for the spine and femur. The combined T-score is the minimum of the T-score for the spine and femur. A lower t-score implies a lower BMD.

Mean change in the combined t-score was measured by Dexa-scan. The patients bone density was determined by Dexa-scan at baseline, after 6 months Zometa and after 12 months of Zometa. The t-score, which is a comparison of a person's bone density with that of a healthy 30-year old of the same sex, was generated by Dexa-scan for the spine and femur. A lower t-score implies a lower BMD. The combined t-score is the minimum of the t-score for the spine and that for the femur. BMD change from baseline at 6 and 12 months in the combined t-score was defined as the follow-up combined t-score minus the baseline combined t-score.

Zometa will be given at 4 mg intravenously over 15 minutes every 3 months for 1 year.

Drug: IV Zometa

Zometa will be given at 4 mg intravenously over 15 minutes every 3 months for 1 year.

Other Name: zolondronic acid

Detailed Description:

This is an open-labeled trial to determine the incidence of osteoporosis in brain tumor patients and effect of Zometa every three months. Zometa will be given at 4 mg intravenously over 15 minutes every 3 months for 1 year. The patients will undergo a baseline bone densitometry test that will be repeated at six months and one year. Information on the patient's tolerability of Zometa as well as any skeletal-related complications that happen will be collected. Data with respect to the dose and duration of glucocorticoids and anticonvulsants will be collected since both of these therapies have shown to directly affect bone density. Serial markers (N-telopeptide) of bone turn over will be collected at baseline and every 3 months prior to the infusion of Zometa. Karnofsky performance status will be monitored as a function of mobility.

To determine the bone mineral density of the patients at baseline and any changes over 12 months while receiving Zometa every 3 months.

To determine the incidence of skeletal-related complications in this cohort of brain tumor patients.

To determine the safety and tolerability of Zometa in brain tumor patients.

To determine the effects of glucocorticoids and anticonvulsants on bone density.

Response Criteria The primary efficacy endpoint will be the patient's bone densitometry, and how it changes over the course of one year of Zometa therapy. The bone densitometry after 6 months and 12 months of Zometa will be compared to the baseline. The secondary efficacy variable will be the prevention of skeletal-related events (compression fracture, any fracture requiring surgery) which given the heterogeneity of the patient population will be a qualitative variable. Date with respect to the dose and duration of glucocorticoids and anticonvulsants will be collected since both of these therapies have shown to directly affect bone density. Serial markers (N-telopeptide) of bone turn over will be collected.

Outcome assessment The patient's bone densitometry will be determined by Dexa-scan at the baseline, after six months of Zometa and after one year of Zometa. The bone density (Dexa- scan) will be reviewed by the outside radiologist or Duke radiology in conjunction with the primary investigator. A decrease of > -0.5 on the T-score will be coded as a treatment failure and patients will be discontinued from the study and referred to Endocrinology or Orthopedic Surgery for best clinical management. In addition, any skeletal-related event (fractures) will be coded as a treatment failure. The patient population will be heterogeneous in terms of their functional capacity, exercise capacity, anticonvulsant and glucocorticoid dos

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years and older

Genders Eligible for Study:

Both

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients must have histologically confirmed diagnosis of a primary brain tumor.

Patients must be on Depakote ( Valproic Acid) or one of the following enzyme inducing anticonvulsants (EIAC) therapies. Phenobarbital, Dilantin, Trileptal, Tegretol and/or on more than physiologic replacement steroid therapy (Dexamethasone >0.75 mg/d, prednisone >5 mg/d or hydrocortisone >20 mg/d).

Age > 18 years.

Karnofsky performance score > 60%

Adequate renal and liver function as demonstrated by laboratory values performed within 14 days, inclusive, prior to the administration of Zometa, except for the creatinine, which will be within 72 hs of Zometa administration:

Patients who are poor medical risks because of non-malignant systemic disease as well as those with acute infection treated with intravenous antibiotics.

Previous or concurrent malignancies at other sites with the exception of surgically cured carcinoma in-situ of the cervix and basal or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.

Known HIV positivity or AIDS-related illness.

Pregnant or nursing women.

Women of childbearing potential who are not using an effective method of contraception. Women of childbearing potential must have a negative serum pregnancy test 72hours prior to administration of study and be practicing medically approved contraceptive precautions.

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Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00301873